Background for vectors

vectors

/ˈvɛktərz/

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

A directed quantity, one with both magnitude and direction; the signed difference between two points.

Examples :

"The navigation app calculated several vectors to guide us to our destination, each representing a possible route with a specific distance and direction. "

math physics technical direction

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

An ordered tuple representing a directed quantity or the signed difference between two points.

Examples :

"The directions to the library and the grocery store from my house can be represented as vectors, showing both the distance and the direction I need to travel. "

math physics technical direction point space

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

Any member of a (generalized) vector space.

Examples :

"The vectors in {mathbb Q}[X] are the single-variable polynomials with rational coefficients: one is extstyle x^{42}+rac1{137}x-1."

math physics space

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

A chosen course or direction for motion, as of an aircraft.

Examples :

"Air traffic controllers provide vectors to pilots, guiding them along specific routes to avoid collisions. "

direction vehicle military sailing traffic technical physics math

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noun

A carrier of a disease-causing agent.

Examples :

"Mosquitoes are common vectors of diseases like malaria and Zika virus. "

medicine disease biology organism insect animal

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noun

(by extension) A person or entity that passes along an urban legend or other meme.

Examples :

"My younger cousins are vectors; they spread every silly TikTok trend and viral meme throughout the family. "

culture media internet communication

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noun

A recurring psychosocial issue that stimulates growth and development in the personality.

Examples :

"Facing challenges in a new job, like learning unfamiliar software and building relationships with coworkers, can be powerful vectors for personal growth, forcing you to adapt and develop new skills. "

mind human character being philosophy society soul

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noun

The way in which the eyes are drawn across the visual text. The trail that a book cover can encourage the eyes to follow from certain objects to others.

Examples :

"The book cover used strong vectors, with a bold arrow pointing from the title to the author's name, effectively guiding the reader's eye. "

art media style communication writing direction

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

(operating systems) A memory address containing the address of a code entry point, usually one which is part of a table and often one that is dereferenced and jumped to during the execution of an interrupt.

Examples :

"The operating system uses vectors to quickly find the right instructions when an interrupt, like a power failure, happens. "

computing technology electronics technical system machine internet

Illustration vectors - Image 1

noun

A one-dimensional array.

Examples :

"The spreadsheet program uses vectors to store each row of data, with each vector holding information like name, address, and phone number. "

computing math technical

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noun

A graphical representation using outlines; vector graphics.

Examples :

"a vector image"

art technology computing technical math

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noun

A DNA molecule used to carry genetic information from one organism into another.

Examples :

"Scientists use vectors to deliver genes into cells, like using a special envelope to mail a letter containing genetic instructions. "

biology biochemistry organism technology medicine science

Illustration vectors - Image 1

verb

To set (particularly an aircraft) on a course toward a selected point.

Examples :

"Air traffic control decided to vector the incoming flight away from the thunderstorm. "

nautical military vehicle direction

Illustration vectors - Image 1

verb

To redirect to a vector, or code entry point.

Examples :

"If the website receives too much traffic, we can vector users to a backup server to prevent a crash. "

computing technical